A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in the late hours of Saturday, July 14.

The crash occurred around 10:50 pm. Police say that a vehicle heading northbound on U.S. 71 just past Bannister Road struck the pedestrian. When the authorities arrived, they pronounced the victim dead at the scene. As of this press release, they have not released the identity of the pedestrian.

The driver of the vehicle stayed behind and is cooperating with the investigation.

“We are saddened to learn that yet another pedestrian has died on the streets of Kansas City this year,” remarked BikeWalkKC’s executive director Eric Rogers. “We extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of this victim and appreciate the driver’s ongoing cooperation in the investigation.”

“This is a sobering reminder that we still have a long way to go to make this city a safer place for those who don’t drive a car,” observed Eric Bunch, the organization’s policy director. “As long as we continue to ignore the need for greater infrastructure for other modes of transportation, people will be forced into dangerous situations like this and they will continue to be hurt or killed.”

There will be an opportunity to learn more about one of the projects that could bring such safety to residents in the area. The City of Kansas City, Missouri will be hosting a community meeting on Tuesday, July 17 from 6-8 pm at the Southeast Community Center, located at 4201 E. 63rd Street. To learn more, click here.

As BikeWalkKC has stated in the past, what deserves the brunt of the blame for these crashes is the culture that values car traffic efficiency over the safety of human lives.

For more information, contact Karen Campbell, director of development and communications, at (816) 205-7056 (ext. 2) or by email at karen.campbell@bikewalkkc.org.

BikeWalkKC believes that crashes are not accidents and clothing is not an excuse.